The Dalai Lama 7 Simple Tips For Happiness: “Our Brain, Our Heart Is Our Temple, And Philosophy Is Kindness”

The art of living lies in the Dalai Lama’s 7 simple tips for happiness – all you should listen to.

1. Practice compassion every day

“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion ,” says the Dalai Lama.

If you’ve ever helped a friend out of a bad situation or supported a stranger in need, you know the warm, fuzzy feeling you get afterward. Compassion isn’t just about being the most beautiful person in the world—it’s also your ticket to happiness. 

Why? Because focusing on others creates a sense of shared humanity and lessens the weight of one’s own problems. Just ask: “Are you okay? Need help?” Those moments can have ripple effects.

2. Choose optimism over despair

“Choose to be optimistic, to feel better,” said the Dalai Lama.

You can’t escape life’s turmoil, but you can decide how you respond. According to the Dalai Lama, optimism is a choice, not just a personality trait. You don’t have to force a fake smile 24/7 – instead, notice how you interpret life’s events and intentionally change the script. A little optimism can quickly illuminate the bigger picture.

3. Focus on what you can control

“If the problem is fixable, if the situation is such that you can do something about it, then there is no need to worry,” says the Dalai Lama.

We worry about everything – about money, love, career, alien invasion – and the truth is that a lot of our mental energy is spent on issues that we can’t really solve . And the Dalai Lama says: if you can fix something, do it. If you can’t, then why dwell on it? Do what you can and let the rest go. That frees up a ton of mental space for good things.

4. Make kindness your religion

“This is my simple religion. No need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our brain, our heart is our temple, and philosophy is kindness ,” says the Dalai Lama.

Regardless of your beliefs, kindness transcends religion or culture. It is a universal language. One small act of kindness—like helping a neighbor carry groceries or giving a stranger a genuine smile—can create an instant positive connection.

Kindness is the ultimate practical wisdom. Keep it simple : If you’re not sure how to interact with someone, use politeness.

5. Be aware and present

“We can never achieve peace in the outside world until we achieve peace with ourselves,” says the Dalai Lama

Much of our stress comes from regretting the past or worrying about the future. And both are out of your hands – one has already happened and the other hasn’t. Being present is also about letting go of baggage you can’t control.

Take a deep breath, notice what you feel and think. That’s it.

6. Cultivate gratitude

“The root of all kindness lies in the soil of appreciation of kindness,” said the Dalai Lama.

Research confirms what the Dalai Lama has long taught: Gratitude can change your whole outlook. If you focus on the good—like your morning coffee, a supportive friend, or even the sun on a walk—you start to notice more good things. Keep a simple gratitude list every day. For example, “I’m thankful for a hot shower” or “I appreciate my friend’s funny jokes.”

7. Embrace self-compassion

“Love and compassion are a necessity, not a luxury. Without them, humanity cannot survive ,” said the Dalai Lama.

Compassion for others is key, but we shouldn’t forget compassion for ourselves. We can be our own worst critics, chastising ourselves for every little mistake. But if you’re not kind to yourself, you’ll burn out quickly.

So the next time you mess up, try not to label yourself as a failure. Instead, talk to yourself like you would a good friend. Self-compassion can clear the way to true happiness .

If the Dalai Lama teaches us anything, it’s that true joy comes from a warm heart, a clear mind, and an open spirit. Even if you make mistakes from time to time, you are on the right track.